Description
The Strokes – Is This It – Compact Disc
Released in 2001, Is This It is widely regarded as one of the most influential debut albums of the 21st century, effectively reshaping the landscape of indie and garage rock. At a time when mainstream rock was dominated by post-grunge and nu-metal, The Strokes arrived with a stripped-down, retro-inspired sound that felt both refreshingly simple and sharply modern. The album became a cornerstone of the early-2000s indie rock revival, influencing a wave of bands that followed.
At the heart of the album is its aesthetic: minimal, raw, and coolly detached. The production—handled by Gordon Raphael—leans into a lo-fi clarity, with tightly compressed guitars, dry drums, and vocals that feel almost casually delivered. Julian Casablancas’ voice is a defining element: slightly distorted, often buried in the mix, and emotionally restrained. This approach gives the songs a sense of distance and ambiguity, reinforcing the band’s understated, almost indifferent persona.
Is This It draws heavily from late-1970s and early-1980s influences—particularly bands like The Velvet Underground and Television—but reinterprets those sounds through a modern lens. The interplay between guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr. is central to the album’s identity, with interlocking riffs that are both simple and hypnotic. Songs like “Last Nite” and “Someday” showcase this balance, pairing catchy melodies with a relaxed, almost effortless groove.
The album captures a specific kind of urban disaffection. Casablancas writes about relationships, boredom, nightlife, and existential drift, often with a sense of irony or detachment. There’s a subtle tension between the casual tone of the lyrics and the emotional undercurrents beneath them, giving the songs a depth that isn’t immediately obvious. Rather than dramatic declarations, the album thrives on small observations and understated feelings.
One of the reasons Is This It had such a lasting impact is its sense of cohesion. The album doesn’t rely on dramatic shifts or standout gimmicks; instead, it builds a consistent mood across its runtime. Each track feels like part of a larger whole, contributing to an atmosphere that is both intimate and elusive. This cohesion helped define the “indie rock” aesthetic for a generation—cool, minimal, and self-aware without being overly polished.
In the broader cultural context, the album arrived at a moment of transition. Its release in 2001 coincided with a shift in how music was consumed and discovered, and its influence extended beyond sound into fashion, attitude, and scene culture. Bands that followed—across both sides of the Atlantic—drew from its blueprint, making it a foundational text for 2000s rock.
Is This It succeeds because of its restraint. It doesn’t try to overwhelm the listener; instead, it invites repeated listening, revealing its strengths gradually. The Strokes created something that feels effortless but is carefully constructed—a debut that not only defined their career but also reshaped the direction of modern rock.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Is This It
The Modern Age
Soma
Barely Legal
Someday
Alone, Together
Last Nite
Hard To Explain
New York City Cops
Trying Your Luck
Take It Or Leave It
